| New funds for East Africa released amidst criticism of EU response to the crisis |
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The EU’s response to the humanitarian crisis in East Africa has been heavily criticised this week from politicians and NGO’s alike. The EU released new funds for the region last week, but overall the response has been deemed inadequate, with large disparities between member states in levels of aid and NGO’s judging the funding provided so far as inadequate to address the crisis. East Africa is experiencing the worst drought in 60 years, with more than 11 million people thought to be affected. The drought has destroyed crops, driven up food prices and killed livestock in the Horn of Africa. Somalia has been devastated by the drought, with the UN subsequently declaring famine in parts of the country last week. According to the UN, at least six out of 10,000 children are dying every day in Somalia. Approximately 1.5 million people have been displaced from their homes inside the country, with some 800,000 seeking refuge in neighbouring Kenya and Ethiopia. Following Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva’s visit to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, she announced an additional €27.8 million in funding for the region. "This unprecedented crisis in the Horn of Africa calls for an unprecedented response" the commissioner argued. Ms Georgieva continued, "This is why, on top of today's announcement of new funding of €27.8 million, I have started the process to mobilise another €60 million to alleviate the suffering of so many people. This will bring our response to nearly €158 million." However, David Cameron criticised the European response to the crisis last week arguing other member states must do more to combat the crisis. The UK prime minister said Britain had spent £90m — but it was time other countries "stepped up to the plate" said Cameron. "It's time for other European countries to start doing what Britain is doing, and to give more to make sure the aid gets through and we save lives.” Figures from the European Commission show Britain is the largest funder of European aid projects to Somalia, pledging £24m in 2011 before the current crisis hit. Sweden, the next largest EU donor, gave £11m. Germany promised £4.3m in new money in light of the current crisis, and Spain has made what Oxfam called "an initial contribution.” EU Humanitarian Policy Advisor at Oxfam International Tidhar Wald however warned that the EU must increase its humanitarian aid efforts if it is to prevent a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Africa. “Right now, aid is underfunded by about 40%”. Wald continued, “An estimated $1bn is needed to prevent what is now a humanitarian crisis from becoming a humanitarian catastrophe. $200m has been pledged globally for aid, but the European target has so far mostly been small, for example from countries like France, Germany and the Netherlands.” Sources:  |
